Electronic apparatus, system, analysis method, analysis program, and recording medium

ABSTRACT

An electronic apparatus includes a start processing section that starts measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor, a finish processing section that finishes the measurement, a detection processing section that detects a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement, and a reception processing section that receives an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

The present invention relates to an electronic apparatus, a system, an analysis method, an analysis program, and a recording medium.

2. Related Art

JP-A-2014-100341 discloses a terminal apparatus which detects an attitude in a standing still state by using a motion sensor, and then instructs a user to start a swing from a display section or a speaker. If the user performs a swing on the basis of the instruction from the terminal apparatus, the terminal apparatus detects impact through ball hitting, and performs swing analysis.

However, in a case where a user replaces a golf club used for a swing, club information is required to be input to a terminal apparatus before measurement is started. If measurement has been started without inputting the club information, there is the complexity that the measurement is stopped, and the measurement is started again after the club information is input, and thus there is a problem of increasing the time and effort.

SUMMARY

An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide an electronic apparatus, a system, an analysis method, an analysis program, and a recording medium, capable of assisting a user in performing comfortable replacement of an exercise appliance.

In the present specification, the term “replacement of an exercise appliance” indicates that a user changes an exercise appliance as a swing analysis target to another exercise appliance (also including “replacement of a golf club 3” which will be described later). After the replacement is performed, the user performs an action with a new exercise appliance.

The invention can be implemented as the following forms or application examples.

Application Example 1

An electronic apparatus according to this application example includes a start processing section that starts measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; a finish processing section that finishes the measurement; a detection processing section that detects a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and a reception processing section that receives an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.

The electronic apparatus of this application example receives an instruction for changing an exercise appliance during a period from starting of measurement to finishing thereof. Thus, for example, a user is not required to input an instruction for stopping the measurement to the electronic apparatus before inputting an instruction for changing the exercise appliance to the electronic apparatus even in a case where the exercise appliance (that is, an exercise appliance as a detection target of an inertial sensor) used for an action is replaced during the period. Therefore, it is possible to improve the complexity that the measurement is temporarily stopped, and the measurement is started again after club information is input.

Application Example 2

The electronic apparatus of the application example may further include a change processing section that changes a parameter related to analysis of the predetermined action performed after the exercise appliance is changed, in response to an instruction for changing the exercise appliance.

Therefore, the electronic apparatus can appropriately perform analysis before an exercise appliance is replaced and analysis after the exercise appliance is replaced.

Application Example 3

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the start processing section may start the measurement in response to an instruction from the user.

Therefore, a user can freely set a timing of measurement starting and a timing of measurement finishing.

Application Example 4

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the finish processing section may finish the measurement in response to an instruction from the user.

Application Example 5

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the exercise appliance may be a golf club, and the instruction for changing the exercise appliance may include an instruction for changing a number of the golf club.

Therefore, a user can input an instruction for changing a number of a golf club to the electronic apparatus as an instruction for changing an exercise appliance.

Application Example 6

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the predetermined action may be a swing.

Therefore, it is possible for a user to save the time and effort to perform an operation until a swing is started after an exercise appliance is replaced.

Application Example 7

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the detection processing section may detect the swing on the basis of a determination result of a standing still state of the exercise appliance, and a determination result of ball hitting using the exercise appliance.

The “ball hitting” mentioned here is assumed to include that an exercise appliance comes into contact with a ball or the exercise appliance comes into contact with an object replacing a ball.

Therefore, the electronic apparatus can reliably detect a swing.

Application Example 8

In the electronic apparatus of the application example, the inertial sensor may include at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor.

Therefore, the electronic apparatus may detect a predetermined action by using at least one of, for example, an acceleration, a velocity, a position, an attitude change, and an attitude of an exercise appliance.

Application Example 9

A system according to this application example includes any one of the electronic apparatuses; and the inertial sensor.

Application Example 10

An analysis method according to this application example includes starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor, finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.

Application Example 11

The analysis method of the application example may further include changing a parameter related to analysis of the predetermined action performed after the exercise appliance is changed, in response to an instruction for changing the exercise appliance.

Application Example 12

In the analysis method of the application example, in the starting of the measurement, the measurement may be started in response to an instruction from the user.

Application Example 13

In the analysis method of the application example, in the finishing of the measurement, the measurement may be finished in response to an instruction from a user.

Application Example 14

In the analysis method of the application example, the exercise appliance may be a golf club, and the instruction for changing the exercise appliance may include an instruction for changing a number of the golf club.

Application Example 15

In the analysis method of the application example, the predetermined action may be a swing.

Application Example 16

In the analysis method of the application example, in the detecting of the swing, the swing may be detected on the basis of a determination result of a standing still state of the exercise appliance, and a determination result of ball hitting using the exercise appliance.

Application Example 17

In the analysis method of the application example, the inertial sensor may include at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor.

Application Example 18

An analysis program according to this application example causes a computer to execute starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.

Application Example 19

A recording medium according to this application example records an analysis program causing a computer to execute starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like numbers reference like elements.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a swing analysis system of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example in which a sensor unit is attached.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating examples of a position at which and a direction in which the sensor unit is attached.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating procedures of actions performed by a user until the user hits a ball.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen of physical information and golf club information.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a swing action.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a selection screen of swing analysis data.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a display screen.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating configuration examples of the sensor unit and a swing analysis apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a plan view in which a golf club and the sensor unit are viewed from a negative side of an X axis during standing still of the user.

FIG. 11 is a graph illustrating examples of temporal changes of three-axis angular velocities.

FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating a temporal change of a combined value of the three-axis angular velocities.

FIG. 13 is a graph illustrating a temporal change of a derivative of the combined value.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a shaft plane and a Hogan plane.

FIG. 15 is a view in which a sectional view of the shaft plane which is cut in an YZ plane is viewed from the negative side of the X axis.

FIG. 16 is a view in which a sectional view of the Hogan plane which is cut in the YZ plane is viewed from the negative side of the X axis.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining a face angle and a club path (incidence angle).

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal change of a shaft axis rotation angle from swing starting (backswing starting) to impact.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal change of a speed of a grip in a downswing.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating examples of relationships among the shaft plane and the Hogan plane, and a plurality of regions A, B, C, D and E.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a swing analysis process (swing analysis method).

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a server apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a process performed by a swing analysis apparatus in relation to the server apparatus.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a process performed by the server apparatus.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart (schematic timing diagram) illustrating operations of the swing analysis apparatus and a user during a continuous measurement period.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an example of an initial screen.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an example of a club designation screen.

FIG. 28 is a diagram illustrating an example of an address instruction screen.

FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating an example of a swing permission screen.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a swing analysis process performed by a processing section.

FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wrist type display section.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of a head mounted display.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiments described below are not intended to improperly limit the content of the invention disclosed in the appended claims. In addition, all constituent elements described below are not essential constituent elements of the invention.

Hereinafter, a swing analysis system analyzing a golf swing will be described as an example.

1. Swing Analysis System 1-1. Configuration of Swing Analysis System

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a swing analysis system of the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 1, a swing analysis system 1 of the present embodiment is configured to include a sensor unit 10, a swing analysis apparatus 20, and a server apparatus 30.

The sensor unit 10 (an example of an inertial sensor) can measure acceleration generated in each axial direction of three axes and angular velocity generated around each of the three axes, and is attached to a golf club 3 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the sensor unit 10 is attached to a part of a shaft so that one axis of three detection axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis), for example, the y axis matches a longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 (a longitudinal direction of the golf club 3; hereinafter, referred to as a longitudinal direction). Preferably, the sensor unit 10 is attached to a position close to a grip (an example of a holding portion) to which impact during ball hitting is hardly forwarded and a centrifugal force is hardly applied during a swing. The shaft is a shaft portion other than a head of the golf club 3 and also includes the grip. However, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to a part (for example, the hand or a glove) of a user 2, and may be attached to an accessory such as a wristwatch.

The user 2 performs a swing action for hitting a golf ball 4 according to predefined procedures. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating procedures of actions performed by the user 2 until the user hits the ball in the present embodiment. As illustrated in FIG. 4, first, the user 2 performs an input operation of physical information of the user 2, information (golf club information) regarding the golf club 3 used by the user 2, and the like via the swing analysis apparatus 20 (step S1). The physical information includes at least one of information regarding a height, a length of the arms, and a length of the legs of the user 2, and may further include information regarding sex or other information. The golf club information includes at least one of information regarding a length (club length) of the golf club 3 and the type (number) of golf club 3. Next, the user 2 performs a measurement starting operation (an operation for starting measurement in the sensor unit 10) via the swing analysis apparatus 20 (step S2). Next, after receiving a notification (for example, a notification using a voice) of giving an instruction for taking an address attitude (a basic attitude before starting a swing) from the swing analysis apparatus 20 (Y in step S3), the user 2 takes an address attitude so that the axis in the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 is perpendicular to a target line (target hit ball direction), and stands still (step S4). Next, the user 2 receives a notification (for example, a notification using a voice) of permitting a swing from the swing analysis apparatus 20 (Y in step S5), and then hits the golf ball 4 by performing a swing action (step S6).

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of an input screen of physical information and golf club information, displayed on a display section 25 (refer to FIG. 9) of the swing analysis apparatus 20. In step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 inputs physical information such as a height, sex, age, and country, and inputs golf club information such as a club length (a length of the shaft), and a club number on the input screen illustrated in FIG. 5. Information included in the physical information is not limited thereto, and, the physical information may include, for example, at least one of information regarding a length of the arms and a length of the legs instead of or along with the height. Similarly, information included in the golf club information is not limited thereto, and, for example, the golf club information may not include at least one of information regarding the club length and the club number, and may include other information.

If the user 2 performs the measurement starting operation in step S2 in FIG. 4, the swing analysis apparatus 20 transmits a measurement starting command to the sensor unit 10, and the sensor unit 10 receives the measurement starting command and starts measurement of three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular velocities. The sensor unit 10 measures three-axis accelerations and three-axis angular velocities in a predetermined cycle (for example, 1 ms), and sequentially transmits the measured data to the swing analysis apparatus 20. Communication between the sensor unit 10 and the swing analysis apparatus 20 may be wireless communication, and may be wired communication.

The swing analysis apparatus 20 notifies the user 2 of permission of swing starting, shown in step S5 in FIG. 4, and then analyzes the swing action (step S6 in FIG. 4) in which the user 2 has hit the ball by using the golf club 3 on the basis of measured data from the sensor unit 10.

As illustrated in FIG. 6, the swing action performed by the user 2 in step S6 in FIG. 4 includes an action reaching impact (ball hitting) at which the golf ball 4 is hit through respective states of halfway back at which the shaft of the golf club 3 becomes horizontal during a backswing after starting a swing (backswing), a top at which the swing changes from the backswing to a downswing, and halfway down at which the shaft of the golf club 3 becomes horizontal during the downswing. The swing analysis apparatus 20 generates swing analysis data including information regarding a time point (date and time) at which the swing is performed, identification information or the sex of the user 2, the type of golf club 3, and an analysis result of the swing action, and transmits the swing analysis data to the server apparatus 30 via a network 40 (refer to FIG. 1).

The server apparatus 30 receives the swing analysis data transmitted by the swing analysis apparatus 20 via the network 40, and preserves the swing analysis data. Therefore, when the user 2 performs a swing action according to the procedures illustrated in FIG. 4, the swing analysis data generated by the swing analysis apparatus 20 is preserved in the server apparatus 30, and thus a swing analysis data list is built.

For example, the swing analysis apparatus 20 may be implemented by an information terminal (client terminal) such as a smart phone or a personal computer, and the server apparatus 30 may be implemented by a server which processes requests from the swing analysis apparatus 20.

The network 40 may be a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, and may be a local area network (LAN). Alternatively, the swing analysis apparatus 20 and the server apparatus 30 may communicate with each other through, for example, near field communication or wired communication, without using the network 40.

In the present embodiment, if the user 2 activates a swing diagnosis application via an operation section 23 (refer to FIG. 9) of the swing analysis apparatus 20, the swing analysis apparatus 20 performs communication with the server apparatus 30, and, for example, a selection screen of swing analysis data as illustrated in FIG. 7 is displayed on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. The selection screen includes a time point (date and time), the type of golf club which has been used, and some index values as analysis results of a swing, with respect to each item of swing analysis data regarding the user 2 included in the swing analysis data list preserved in the server apparatus 30.

A checkbox correlated with each item of swing analysis data is located at a left end of the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7, and the user 2 checks any one of the checkboxes by operating the swing analysis apparatus 20, and then presses an OK button located on a lower part in the selection screen. Consequently, the swing analysis apparatus 20 performs communication with the server apparatus 30, and displays swing analysis data correlated with the checked checkbox on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7, on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 (for example, refer to FIG. 8).

1-2. Configurations of Sensor Unit and Swing Analysis Apparatus

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating configuration examples of the sensor unit 10 and the swing analysis apparatus 20. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the sensor unit 10 is configured to include an acceleration sensor 12, an angular velocity sensor 14, a signal processing section 16, and a communication section 18. However, the sensor unit 10 may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements are deleted or changed as appropriate, or may have a configuration in which other constituent elements are added thereto.

The acceleration sensor 12 measures respective accelerations generated in three axial directions which intersect (ideally, orthogonal to) each other, and outputs digital signals (acceleration data) corresponding to magnitudes and directions of the measured three-axis accelerations.

The angular velocity sensor 14 measures respective angular velocities generated in three axial directions which intersect (ideally, orthogonal to) each other, and outputs digital signals (angular velocity data) corresponding to magnitudes and directions of the measured three-axis angular velocities.

The signal processing section 16 receives the acceleration data and the angular velocity data from the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14, respectively, adds time information thereto, stores the data in a storage portion (not illustrated), adds time information to the stored measured data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) so as to generate packet data conforming to a communication format, and outputs the packet data to the communication section 18.

Ideally, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 are provided in the sensor unit 10 so that the three axes thereof match three axes (an x axis, a y axis, and a z axis) of an orthogonal coordinate system (sensor coordinate system) defined for the sensor unit 10, but, actually, errors occur in installation angles. Therefore, the signal processing section 16 performs a process of converting the acceleration data and the angular velocity data into data in the xyz coordinate system by using a correction parameter which is calculated in advance according to the installation angle errors.

The signal processing section 16 may perform a process of correcting the temperatures of the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14. Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may have a temperature correction function.

The acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may output analog signals, and, in this case, the signal processing section 16 may A/D convert an output signal from the acceleration sensor 12 and an output signal from the angular velocity sensor 14 so as to generate measured data (acceleration data and angular velocity data), and may generate communication packet data by using the data.

The communication section 18 performs a process of transmitting packet data received from the signal processing section 16 to the swing analysis apparatus 20, or a process of receiving various control commands such as a measurement starting command from the swing analysis apparatus 20 and sending the control command to the signal processing section 16. The signal processing section 16 performs various processes corresponding to control commands.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, in the present embodiment, the swing analysis apparatus 20 is configured to include a processing section 21, a communication section 22, an operation section 23, a storage section 24, the display section 25, a sound output section 26, and a communication section 27. However, the swing analysis apparatus 20 may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements are deleted or changed as appropriate, or may have a configuration in which other constituent elements are added thereto.

The communication section 22 performs a process receiving packet data transmitted from the sensor unit 10 and sending the packet data to the processing section 21, or a process of transmitting a control command from the processing section 21 to the sensor unit 10.

The operation section 23 performs a process of acquiring data corresponding to an operation of the user 2 and sending the data to the processing section 21. The operation section 23 may be, for example, a touch panel type display, a button, a key, or a microphone.

The storage section 24 is constituted of, for example, various IC memories such as a read only memory (ROM), a flash ROM, and a random access memory (RAM), or a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. The storage section 24 stores a program for the processing section 21 performing various calculation processes or a control process, or various programs or data for realizing application functions.

In the present embodiment, the storage section 24 stores a swing analysis program 240 which is read by the processing section 21 and executes a swing analysis process. The swing analysis program 240 may be stored in a nonvolatile recording medium (computer readable recording medium) in advance, or the swing analysis program 240 may be received from a server (not illustrated) or the server apparatus 30 by the processing section 21 via a network, and may be stored in the storage section 24.

In the present embodiment, the storage section 24 stores golf club information 242, physical information 244, sensor attachment position information 246, and swing analysis data 248. For example, the user 2 may operate the operation section 23 so as to input specification information regarding the golf club 3 to use (for example, at least some information such as information regarding a length of the shaft, a position of the centroid thereof, a lie angle, a face age, a loft angle, and the like) from the input screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and the input specification information may be used as the golf club information 242. Alternatively, in step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 may input type numbers of the golf club 3 (alternatively, selects a type number from a type number list), and from among specification information for each type number stored in the storage section 24 in advance, specification information of an input type number may be used as the golf club information 242.

For example, the user 2 may input physical information by operating the operation section 23 from the input screen illustrated in FIG. 5, and the input physical information may be used as the physical information 244. For example, in step S1 in FIG. 4, the user 2 may input an attachment position of the sensor unit 10 and a distance between the attachment position and the grip end of the golf club 3 by operating the operation section 23, and the input distance information may be used as the sensor attachment position information 246. Alternatively, the sensor unit 10 may be attached at a defined predetermined position (for example, a distance of 20 cm from the grip end), and thus information regarding the predetermined position may be stored as the sensor attachment position information 246 in advance.

The swing analysis data 248 is data including information regarding a swing action analysis result in the processing section 21 (swing analysis portion 211) along with a time point (date and time) at which a swing was performed, identification information or the sex of the user 2, and the type of golf club 3.

The storage section 24 is used as a work area of the processing section 21, and temporarily stores data which is input from the operation section 23, results of calculation executed by the processing section 21 according to various programs, and the like. The storage section 24 may store data which is required to be preserved for a long period of time among data items generated through processing of the processing section 21.

The display section 25 displays a processing result in the processing section 21 as text, a graph, a table, animation, and other images. The display section 25 may be, for example, a CRT, an LCD, a touch panel type display, and a head mounted display (HMD). A single touch panel type display may realize functions of the operation section 23 and the display section 25.

The sound output section 26 outputs a processing result in the processing section 21 as a sound such as a voice or a buzzer sound. The sound output section 26 may be, for example, a speaker or a buzzer.

The communication section 27 performs data communication with a communication section 32 (refer to FIG. 22) of the server apparatus 30 via the network 40. For example, the communication section 27 performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 from the processing section 21 after a swing analysis process is completed, and transmitting the swing analysis data to the communication section 32 of the server apparatus 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs a process of receiving information required to display the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 from the communication section 32 of the server apparatus 30 and transmitting the information to the processing section 21, and a process of receiving selected information on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 from the processing section 21 and transmitting the selected information to the communication section 32 of the server apparatus 30. For example, the communication section 27 performs a process of receiving information required to display the display screen illustrated in FIG. 8 from the communication section 32 of the server apparatus 30, and transmitting the information to the processing section 21.

The processing section 21 performs a process of transmitting a control command to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22, or various computation processes on data which is received from the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22, according to various programs. The processing section 21 performs a process of reading the swing analysis data 248 from the storage section 24, and transmitting the swing analysis data to the server apparatus 30 via the communication section 27, according to various programs. The processing section 21 performs a process of transmitting various pieces of information to the server apparatus 30 via the communication section 27, and displaying various screens (the respective screens illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8) on the basis of the information received from the server apparatus 30, according to various programs. The processing section 21 performs other various control processes.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, by executing the swing analysis program 240, the processing section 21 functions as a data acquisition portion 210, a swing analysis portion 211, an image data generation portion 212, a storage processing portion 213, a display processing portion 214, and a sound output processing portion 215, and performs a process (swing analysis process) of analyzing a swing action of the user 2.

The data acquisition portion 210 performs a process of receiving packet data which is received from the sensor unit 10 by the communication section 22, acquiring time information and measured data in the sensor unit 10 from the received packet data, and sending the time information and the measured data to the storage processing portion 213. The data acquisition portion 210 performs a process of receiving the information required to display the various screens (the respective screens illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8), received from the server apparatus 30 by the communication section 27, and transmitting the information to the image data generation portion 212.

The storage processing portion 213 performs read/write processes of various programs or various data for the storage section 24. The storage processing portion 213 performs not only the process of storing the time information and the measured data received from the data acquisition portion 210 in the storage section 24 in correlation with each other, but also a process of storing various pieces of information calculated by the swing analysis portion 211, the swing analysis data 248, or the like in the storage section 24.

The swing analysis portion 211 performs a process of analyzing a swing action of the user 2 by using the measured data (the measured data stored in the storage section 24) output from the sensor unit 10, the data from the operation section 23, or the like, so as to generate the swing analysis data 248 including a time point (date and time) at which the swing was performed, identification information or the sex of the user 2, the type of golf club 3, and information regarding a swing action analysis result. Particularly, in the present embodiment, the swing analysis portion 211 calculates a value of each index of the swing as at least some of the information regarding the swing action analysis result.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate at least one virtual plane as an index of the swing. For example, at least one virtual plane includes a shaft plane SP (an example of a first virtual plane) which will be described later, and a Hogan plane HP (an example of a second virtual plane) which will be described later forming a first angle with the shaft plane SP, and the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate the “shaft plane SP” and the “Hogan plane HP” as the indexes.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a position of the head of the golf club 3 at a first timing during the backswing as an index of the swing. For example, the first timing is the time of halfway back at which the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 becomes a direction along the horizontal direction during the backswing, and the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “position of the head at halfway back” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a position of the head of the golf club 3 at a second timing during the downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the second timing is the time of halfway down at which the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 becomes a direction along the horizontal direction during the downswing, and the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “position of the head at halfway down” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based on an incidence angle of the head of the golf club 3 at impact (at ball hitting), as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “club path (incidence angle) ψ” or an “attack angle” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based on an inclination of the head of the golf club 3 at impact (at ball hitting) as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “(absolute) face angle φ” or a “relative face angle η” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based on a speed of the head of the golf club 3 at impact (at ball hitting) as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “head speed” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate, as an index of the swing, an index based on a rotation angle about a rotation axis (hereinafter, referred to as about the long axis) of the shaft of the golf club 3 at a predetermined timing between the time of starting a backswing and the time of impact (at ball hitting) with the longitudinal direction of the shaft as the rotation axis. The rotation angle about the long axis of the golf club 3 may be an angle by which the golf club 3 is rotated about the long axis from a reference timing to a predetermined timing. The reference timing may be the time of starting a backswing, and may be the time of address. The predetermined timing may be the time (the time of a top) at which a backswing transitions to a downswing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “shaft axis rotation angle θ, at top” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based on a deceleration amount of the grip of the golf club 3 during the downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “grip deceleration ratio R_(V)” which will be described later as the index.

The swing analysis portion 211 may calculate an index based on a deceleration period of the grip of the golf club 3 during the downswing as an index of the swing. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate a “grip deceleration time ratio R_(T)” which will be described later as the index. [0116]1 However, the swing analysis portion 211 may not calculate values of some of the indexes, and may calculate values of other indexes, as appropriate.

The image data generation portion 212 performs a process of generating image data corresponding to an image displayed on the display section 25. For example, the image data generation portion 212 generates image data corresponding to the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7, and the display screen illustrated in FIG. 8, on the basis of various pieces of information received by the data acquisition portion 210.

The display processing portion 214 performs a process of displaying various images (including text, symbols, and the like in addition to an image corresponding to the image data generated by the image data generation portion 212) on the display section 25. For example, the display processing portion 214 displays the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7, the display screen illustrated in FIG. 8, and the like, on the display section 25, on the basis of the image data generated by the image data generation portion 212. For example, the image data generation portion 212 may display an image, text, or the like for notifying the user 2 of permission of swing starting on the display section 25 in step S5 in FIG. 4. For example, the display processing portion 214 may display text information such as text or symbols indicating an analysis result in the swing analysis portion 211 on the display section 25 automatically or in response to an input operation performed by the user 2 after a swing action of the user 2 is completed. Alternatively, a display section may be provided in the sensor unit 10, and the display processing portion 214 may transmit image data to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22, and various images, text, or the like may be displayed on the display section of the sensor unit 10.

The sound output processing portion 215 performs a process of outputting various sounds (including voices, buzzer sounds, and the like) from the sound output section 26. For example, the sound output processing portion 215 may output a sound for notifying the user 2 of permission of swing starting from the sound output section 26 in step S5 in FIG. 4. For example, the sound output processing portion 215 may output a sound or a voice indicating an analysis result in the swing analysis portion 211 from the sound output section 26 automatically or in response to an input operation performed by the user 2 after a swing action of the user 2 is completed. Alternatively, a sound output section may be provided in the sensor unit 10, and the sound output processing portion 215 may transmit various items of sound data or voice data to the sensor unit 10 via the communication section 22, and may output various sounds or voices from the sound output section of the sensor unit 10.

A vibration mechanism may be provided in the swing analysis apparatus 20 or the sensor unit 10, and various pieces of information may be converted into vibration pieces of information by the vibration mechanism so as to be presented to the user 2.

1-3. Swing Analysis Process

In the present embodiment, when a position of the head of the golf club 3 at address (during standing still) is set to the origin, an XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) is defined which has a target line indicating a target hit ball direction as an X axis, an axis on a horizontal plane which is perpendicular to the X axis as a Y axis, and a vertically upward direction (a direction opposite to the gravitational direction) as a Z axis. In order to calculate each index value, the swing analysis portion 211 calculates a position and an attitude of the sensor unit 10 in a time series from the time of the address in the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) by using measured data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) in the sensor unit 10. The swing analysis portion 211 detects respective timings of the swing starting, the top, and the impact illustrated in FIG. 6, by using the measured data (acceleration data or angular velocity data) in the sensor unit 10. The swing analysis portion 211 calculates values of the respective indexes (for example, a shaft plane, a Hogan plane, a head position at halfway back, a head position at halfway down, a face angle, a club path (incidence angle), a shaft axis rotation angle at top, a head speed, a grip deceleration ratio, and a grip deceleration time ratio) of the swing by using the time series data of the position and the attitude of the sensor unit 10, and the timings of the swing starting, the top, and the impact, so as to generate the swing analysis data 248.

Calculation of Position and Attitude of Sensor Unit 10

If the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4, first, the swing analysis portion 211 determines that the user 2 stands still at an address attitude in a case where an amount of changes in acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 12 does not continuously exceed a threshold value for a predetermined period of time. Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes an offset amount included in the measured data by using the measured data (acceleration data and angular velocity data) for the predetermined period of time. Next, the swing analysis portion 211 subtracts the offset amount from the measured data so as to perform bias correction, and computes a position and an attitude of the sensor unit 10 during a swing action of the user 2 (during the action in step S6 in FIG. 4) by using the bias-corrected measured data.

Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a position (initial position) of the sensor unit 10 during standing still (at address) of the user 2 in the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) by using the acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 12, the golf club information 242, and the sensor attachment position information 246.

FIG. 10 is a plan view in which the golf club 3 and the sensor unit 10 during standing still (at address) of the user 2 are viewed from a negative side of the X axis. The origin O (0,0,0) is set at a position 61 of the head of the golf club 3, and coordinates of a position 62 of a grip end are (0, G_(Y),G_(Z)). Since the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4, the position 62 of the grip end or the initial position of the sensor unit 10 has an X coordinate of 0, and is present on an YZ plane. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the gravitational acceleration of IG is applied to the sensor unit 10 during standing still of the user 2, and thus a relationship between a y axis acceleration y(0) measured by the sensor unit 10 and an inclined angle (an angle formed between the long axis of the shaft and the horizontal plane (XY plane)) a of the shaft of the golf club 3 is expressed by Equation (1).

y(0)=1G·sin α  (1)

Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can calculate the inclined angle α according to Equation (1) by using any acceleration data between any time points at address (during standing still).

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 subtracts a distance L_(SG) between the sensor unit 10 and the grip end included in the sensor attachment position information 246 from a length L₁ of the shaft included in the golf club information 242, so as to obtain a distance L_(SH) between the sensor unit 10 and the head. The swing analysis portion 211 sets, as the initial position of the sensor unit 10, a position separated by the distance L_(SH) from the position 61 (origin O) of the head in a direction (a negative direction of the y axis of the sensor unit 10) specified by the inclined angle α of the shaft.

The swing analysis portion 211 integrates subsequent acceleration data so as to compute coordinates of a position from the initial position of the sensor unit 10 in a time series.

The swing analysis portion 211 computes an attitude (initial attitude) of the sensor unit 10 during standing still (at address) of the user 2 in the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system) by using acceleration data measured by the acceleration sensor 12. Since the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4, the x axis of the sensor unit 10 matches the X axis of the XYZ coordinate system in terms of direction at address (during standing still) of the user 2, and the y axis of the sensor unit 10 is present on the YZ plane. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can specify the initial attitude of the sensor unit 10 on the basis of the inclined angle α of the shaft of the golf club 3.

The swing analysis portion 211 computes changes in attitudes from the initial attitude of the sensor unit 10 in time series by performing rotation calculation using angular velocity data which is subsequently measured by the angular velocity sensor 14. An attitude of the sensor unit 10 may be expressed by, for example, rotation angles (a roll angle, a pitch angle, and a yaw angle) about the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis, or a quaternion.

The signal processing section 16 of the sensor unit 10 may compute an offset amount of measured data so as to perform bias correction on the measured data, and the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may have a bias correction function. In this case, it is not necessary for the swing analysis portion 211 to perform bias correction on the measured data.

Detection of Swing Starting, Top and Impact Timings

First, the swing analysis portion 211 detects a timing (impact timing) at which the user 2 hits a ball by using measured data. For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may compute a combined value of measured data (acceleration data or angular velocity data), and may detect an impact timing (time point) on the basis of the combined value.

Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a combined value n₀(t) of angular velocities at each time point t by using the angular velocity data (bias-corrected angular velocity data for each time point t). For example, if the angular velocity data items at the time point t are respectively indicated by x(t), y(t), and z(t), the swing analysis portion 211 computes the combined value n₀(t) of the angular velocities according to the following Equation (2).

n ₀(t)=√{square root over (x(t)² +y(t)² +z(t)²)}  (2)

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 converts the combined value n₀(t) of the angular velocities at each time point t into a combined value n(t) which is normalized (scale-conversion) within a predetermined range. For example, if the maximum value of the combined value of the angular velocities in an acquisition period of measured data is max(n₀), the swing analysis portion 211 converts the combined value n₀(t) of the angular velocities into the combined value n(t) which is normalized within a range of 0 to 100 according to the following Equation (3).

$\begin{matrix} {{n(t)} = \frac{100 \times {n_{0}(t)}}{\max \; \left( n_{0} \right)}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a derivative dn(t) of the normalized combined value n(t) at each time point t. For example, if a cycle for measuring three-axis angular velocity data items is indicated by Δt, the swing analysis portion 211 computes the derivative (difference) dn(t) of the combined value of the angular velocities at the time point t by using the following Equation (4).

dn(t)=n(t)−n(t−Δt)  (4)

FIG. 11 illustrates examples of three-axis angular velocity data items x(t), y(t) and z(t) obtained when the user 2 hits the golf ball 4 by performing a swing. In FIG. 11, a transverse axis expresses time (msec), and a longitudinal axis expresses angular velocity (dps).

FIG. 12 is a diagram in which the combined value n₀(t) of the three-axis angular velocities is computed according to Equation (2) by using the three-axis angular velocity data items x(t), y(t) and z(t) in FIG. 11, and then the combined value n(t) normalized to 0 to 100 according to Equation (3) is displayed in a graph. In FIG. 12, a transverse axis expresses time (msec), and a longitudinal axis expresses a combined value of the angular velocity.

FIG. 13 is a diagram in which the derivative dn(t) is calculated according to Equation (4) on the basis of the combined value n(t) of the three-axis angular velocities in FIG. 12, and is displayed in a graph. In FIG. 13, a transverse axis expresses time (msec), and a longitudinal axis expresses a derivative value of the combined value of the three-axis angular velocities. In FIGS. 11 and 12, the transverse axis is displayed at 0 seconds to 5 seconds, but, in FIG. 13, the transverse axis is displayed at 2 seconds to 2.8 seconds so that changes in the derivative value before and after impact can be understood.

Next, of time points at which a value of the derivative dn(t) of the combined value becomes the maximum and the minimum, the swing analysis portion 211 specifies the earlier time point as an impact time point t_(impact) (impact timing) (refer to FIG. 13). It is considered that swing speed is the maximum at the moment of impact in a typical golf swing. In addition, since it is considered that a value of the combined value of the angular velocities also changes according to a swing speed, the swing analysis portion 211 can capture a timing at which a derivative value of the combined value of the angular velocities is the maximum or the minimum (that is, a timing at which the derivative value of the combined value of the angular velocities is a positive maximum value or a negative minimum value) in a series of swing actions as the impact timing. Since the golf club 3 vibrates due to the impact, a timing at which a derivative value of the combined value of the angular velocities is the maximum and a timing at which a derivative value of the combined value of the angular velocities is the minimum may occur in pairs, and, of the two timings, the earlier timing may be the moment of the impact.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 specifies a time point of a minimum point at which the combined value n(t) is close to 0 before the impact time point t_(impact), as a top time point t_(top) (top timing) (refer to FIG. 12). It is considered that, in a typical golf swing, an action temporarily stops at the top after starting the swing, then a swing speed increases, and finally impact occurs. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can capture a timing at which the combined value of the angular velocities is close to 0 and becomes the minimum before the impact timing, as the top timing.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 sets an interval in which the combined value n(t) is equal to or smaller than a predetermined threshold value before and after the top time point t_(top), as a top interval, and detects a last time point at which the combined value n(t) is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value before a starting time point of the top interval, as a swing starting (backswing starting) time point t_(start) (refer to FIG. 12). It is hardly considered that, in a typical golf swing, a swing action is started from a standing still state, and the swing action is stopped till the top. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 can capture the last timing at which the combined value of the angular velocities is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value before the top interval as a timing of starting the swing action. The swing analysis portion 211 may detect a time point of the minimum point at which the combined value n(t) is close to 0 before the top time point t_(top) as the swing starting time point t_(start).

The swing analysis portion 211 may also detect each of a swing starting timing, a top timing, and an impact timing by using three-axis acceleration data in the same manner.

Calculation of Shaft Plane and Hogan Plane

The shaft plane is a first virtual plane specified by a target line (target hit ball direction) and the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 at address (standing still state) of the user 2 before starting a swing. The Hogan plane is a second virtual plane specified by a virtual line connecting the vicinity of the shoulder (the shoulder or the base of the neck) of the user 2 to the head of the golf club (or the golf ball 4), and the target line (target hit ball direction), at address of the user 2.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the shaft plane and the Hogan plane. FIG. 14 displays the X axis, the Y axis, and the Z axis of the XYZ coordinate system (global coordinate system).

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a virtual plane which includes a first line segment 51 as a first axis along a target hit ball direction and a second line segment 52 as a second axis along the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3, and has four vertices such as U1, U2, S1, and S2, as the shaft plane SP (first virtual plane). In the present embodiment, the position 61 of the head of the golf club 3 at address is set as the origin O (0,0,0) of the XYZ coordinate system, and the second line segment 52 is a line segment connecting the position 61 (origin O) of the head of the golf club 3 to the position 62 of the grip end. The first line segment 51 is a line segment having a length UL in which U1 and U2 on the X axis are both ends, and the origin O is a midpoint. Since the user 2 performs the action in step S4 in FIG. 4 at address, and thus the shaft of the golf club 3 is perpendicular to the target line (X axis), the first line segment 51 is a line segment orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3, that is, a line segment orthogonal to the second line segment 52. The swing analysis portion 211 calculates coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, S1, and S2 of the shaft plane SP in the XYZ coordinate system.

Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes coordinates (0,G_(Y),G_(Z)) of the position 62 of the grip end of the golf club 3 by using the inclined angle α and the length L₁ of the shaft included in the golf club information 242. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the swing analysis portion 211 may compute Gy and Gz by using the length L₁ of the shaft and the inclined angle α according to Equations (5) and (6).

G _(Y) =L ₁·cos α  (5)

G _(Z) =L ₁·sin α  (6)

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 multiplies the coordinates (0,G_(Y),G_(Z)) of the position 62 of the grip end of the golf club 3 by a scale factor S so as to compute coordinates (0,S_(Y),S_(Z)) of a midpoint S3 of the vertex S1 and the vertex S2 of the shaft plane SP. In other words, the swing analysis portion 211 computes S_(Y) and S_(Z) according to Equations (7) and (8), respectively.

S _(Y) =G _(Y) ·S  (7)

S _(Z) =G _(Z) ·S  (8)

FIG. 15 is a view in which a sectional view of the shaft plane SP in FIG. 14 which is cut in the YZ plane is viewed from the negative side of the X axis. As illustrated in FIG. 15, a length (a width of the shaft plane SP in a direction orthogonal to the X axis) of a line segment connecting the midpoint S3 of the vertex S1 and the vertex S2 to the origin O is S times the length L₁ of the second line segment 52. The scale factor S is set to a value at which a trajectory of the golf club 3 during a swing action of the user 2 enters the shaft plane SP. For example, if a length of the arms of the user 2 is indicated by L₂, the scale factor S may be set as in Equation (9) so that the width S×L₁ of the shaft plane SP in the direction orthogonal to the X axis is twice the sum of the length L₁ of the shaft and the length L₂ of the arms.

$\begin{matrix} {S = \frac{2 \cdot \left( {L_{1} + L_{2}} \right)}{L_{1}}} & (9) \end{matrix}$

The length L₂ of the arms of the user 2 is associated with a height L₀ of the user 2. The length L₂ of the arms is expressed by a correlation expression such as Equation (10) in a case where the user 2 is a male, and is expressed by a correlation expression such as Equation (11) in a case where the user 2 is a female, on the basis of statistical information.

L ₂=0.41×L ₀−45.5 [mm]  (10)

L ₂=0.46×L ₀−126.9 [mm]  (11)

Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 may calculate the length L₂ of the arms of the user according to Equation (10) or Equation (11) by using the height L₀ and the sex of the user 2 included in the physical information 244.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes coordinates (−UL/2,0,0) of the vertex U1 of the shaft plane SP, coordinates (UL/2,0,0) of the vertex U2, coordinates (−UL/2,S_(Y),S_(Z)) of the vertex S1, and coordinates (UL/2,S_(Y),S_(Z)) of the vertex S2 by using the coordinates (0,S_(Y),S_(Z)) of the midpoint S3 and a width (the length of the first line segment 51) UL of the shaft plane SP in the X axis direction. The width UL in the X axis direction is set to a value at which a trajectory of the golf club 3 during a swing action of the user 2 enters the shaft plane SP. For example, the width UL in the X axis direction may be set to be same as the width S×L₁ in the direction orthogonal to the X axis, that is, twice the sum of the length L₁ of the shaft and the length L₂ of the arms.

In the above-described manner, the swing analysis portion 211 can calculate the coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, S1, and S2 of the shaft plane SP.

As illustrated in FIG. 14, in the present embodiment, a virtual plane which includes the first line segment 51 as the first axis and a third line segment 53 as a third axis, and has four vertices such as U1, U2, H1, and H2, is used as the Hogan plane HP (second virtual plane). The third line segment 53 is a line segment connecting a predetermined position 63 in the vicinity of a line segment connecting both of the shoulders of the user 2, to the position 61 of the head of the golf club 3. However, the third line segment 53 may be a line segment connecting the predetermined position 63 to a position of the golf ball 4. The swing analysis portion 211 calculates respective coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, H1, and H2 of the Hogan plane HP in the XYZ coordinate system.

Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 estimates the predetermined position 63 by using the coordinates (0,G_(Y),G_(Z)) of the position 62 of the grip end of the golf club 3 at address (during standing still), and the length L₂ of the arms of the user 2 based on the physical information 244, and computes coordinates (A_(X),A_(Y),A_(Z)) thereof.

FIG. 16 is a view in which a sectional view of the Hogan plane HP illustrated in FIG. 14 which is cut in the YZ plane is viewed from the negative side of the X axis. In FIG. 16, a midpoint of the line segment connecting both of the shoulders of the user 2 is the predetermined position 63, and the predetermined position 63 is present on the YZ plane. Therefore, an X coordinate A_(x) of the predetermined position 63 is 0. As illustrated in FIG. 16, the swing analysis portion 211 estimates, as the predetermined position 63, a position obtained by moving the position 62 of the grip end of the golf club 3 by the length L₂ of the arms of the user 2 in a positive direction along the Z axis. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 sets a Y coordinate A_(Y) of the predetermined position 63 to be the same as the Y coordinate G_(Y) of the position 62 of the grip end. The swing analysis portion 211 computes a Z coordinate A_(Z) of the predetermined position 63 as a sum of the Z coordinate G_(Z) of the position 62 of the grip end and the length L₂ of the arms of the user 2 as in Equation (12).

A _(Z) =G _(Z) +L ₂  (12)

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 multiplies the Y coordinate A_(Y) and the Z coordinate A_(Z) of the predetermined position 63 by a scale factor H, so as to compute coordinates (0,H_(Y),H_(Z)) of a midpoint H3 of the vertex H1 and the vertex H2 of the Hogan plane HP. In other words, the swing analysis portion 211 computes Hy and H_(Z) according to Equation (13) and Equation (14), respectively.

H _(Y) =A _(Y) ·H  (13)

H _(Z) =A _(Z) ·H  (14)

As illustrated in FIG. 16, a length (a width of the Hogan plane HP in a direction orthogonal to the X axis) of a line segment connecting the midpoint H3 of the vertex H1 and the vertex H2 to the origin O is H times the length L₃ of the third line segment 53. The scale factor H is set to a value at which a trajectory of the golf club 3 during a swing action of the user 2 enters the Hogan plane HP. For example, the Hogan plane HP may have the same shape and size as the shape and the size of the shaft plane SP. In this case, the width H×L₃ of the Hogan plane HP in the direction orthogonal to the X axis matches the width S×L₁ of the shaft plane SP in the direction orthogonal to the X axis, and is twice the sum of the length L₁ of the shaft of the golf club 3 and the length L₂ of the arms of the user 2. Therefore, the swing analysis portion 211 may compute the scale factor H according to Equation (15).

$\begin{matrix} {H = \frac{2 \cdot \left( {L_{1} + L_{2}} \right)}{L_{3}}} & (15) \end{matrix}$

The swing analysis portion 211 may compute the length 13 of the third line segment 53 according to Equation (13) by using the Y coordinate A_(Y) and the Z coordinate A_(Z) of the predetermined position 63.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes coordinates (−UL/2,H_(Y),H_(Z)) of the vertex H1 of the Hogan plane HP, and coordinates (UL/2, H_(Y),H_(Z)) of the vertex H2 by using the coordinates (0,H_(Y),H_(Z)) of the midpoint H3 and a width (the length of the first line segment 51) UL of the Hogan plane HP in the X axis direction. The two vertices U1 and U2 of the Hogan plane HP are the same as those of the shaft plane SP, and thus the swing analysis portion 211 does not need to newly compute coordinates of the vertices U1 and U2 of the Hogan plane HP.

In the above-described manner, the swing analysis portion 211 can calculate the coordinates of the four vertices U1, U2, H1, and H2 of the Hogan plane HP.

A region interposed between the shaft plane SP (first virtual plane) and the Hogan plane HP (second virtual plane) is referred to as a “V zone”, and a trajectory of a hit ball (a ball line) may be estimated to some extent on the basis of a relationship between a position of the head of the golf club 3 and the V zone during a backswing or a downswing. For example, in a case where the head of the golf club 3 is present in a space lower than the V zone at a predetermined timing during a backswing or a downswing, a hit ball is likely to fly in a hook direction. In a case where the head of the golf club 3 is present in a space higher than the V zone at a predetermined timing during a backswing or a downswing, a hit ball is likely to fly in a slice direction. In the present embodiment, as is clear from FIG. 16, a first angle β formed between the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP is determined depending on the length L₁ of the shaft of the golf club 3 and the length L₂ of the arms of the user 2. In other words, since the first angle β is not a fixed value, and is determined depending on the type of golf club 3 or physical features of the user 2, the more appropriate shaft plane SP and Hogan plane HP (V zone) are calculated as an index for diagnosing a swing of the user 2.

Calculation of Head Positions at Halfway Back and Halfway Down

A head position at halfway back is a position of the head at the moment of the halfway back, right before the halfway back, or right after the halfway back, and a head position at halfway down is a position of the head at the moment of the halfway down, right before the halfway down, or right after the halfway down.

First, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a position of the head and a position of the grip end at each time point t by using the position and the attitude of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t from the swing start time point t_(start) to the impact time point t_(impact).

Specifically, the swing analysis portion 211 uses a position separated by the distance L_(SH) in the positive direction of the y axis specified by the attitude of the sensor unit 10, from the position of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t, and computes coordinates of the position of the head. As described above, the distance L_(SH) is a distance between the sensor unit 10 and the head. The swing analysis portion 211 uses a position separated by the distance L_(SG) in the negative direction of the y axis specified by the attitude of the sensor unit 10, from the position of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t, and computes coordinates of the position of the grip end. As described above, the distance L_(SG) is a distance between the sensor unit 10 and the grip end.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 detects a halfway back timing and a halfway down timing by using the coordinates of the position of the head and the coordinates of the position of the grip end.

Specifically, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a difference ΔZ between a Z coordinate of the position of the head and a Z coordinate of the position of the grip end at each time point t from the swing start time point t_(start) to the impact time point t_(impact). The swing analysis portion 211 detects a time point t_(HWB) at which a sign of ΔZ is inverted between the swing start time point t_(start) and the top time point top, as the halfway back timing. The swing analysis portion 211 detects a time point t_(HWD) at which a sign of ΔZ is inverted between the top time point t_(top) and the impact time point t_(impact), as the halfway down timing.

The swing analysis portion 211 uses the position of the head at the time point taws as a position of the head at halfway back, and uses the position of the head at the time point t_(HWD) as a position of the head at halfway down.

Calculation of Head Speed

A head speed is the magnitude of a speed of the head at impact (the moment of the impact, right before the impact, or right after the impact). For example, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a speed of the head at the impact time point t_(impact) on the basis of differences between the coordinates of the position of the head at the impact time point t_(impact) and coordinates of a position of the head at the previous time point. The swing analysis portion 211 computes the magnitude of the speed of the head as the head speed.

Calculation of Face Angle and Club Path (Incidence Angle)

The face angle is an index based on an inclination of the head of the golf club 3 at impact, and the club path (incidence angle) is an index based on a trajectory of the head of the golf club 3 at impact.

FIG. 17 is a diagram for explaining the face angle and the club path (incidence angle). FIG. 17 illustrates the golf club 3 (only the head is illustrated) on the XY plane viewed from a positive side of the Z axis in the XYZ coordinate system. In FIG. 17, the reference numeral 74 indicates a face surface (hitting surface) of the golf club 3, and the reference numeral 75 indicates a ball hitting point. The reference numeral 70 indicates a target line indicating a target hit ball direction, and the reference numeral 71 indicates a plane orthogonal to the target line 70. The reference numeral 76 indicates a curve indicating a trajectory of the head of the golf club 3, and the reference numeral 72 is a tangential line at the ball hitting point 75 for the curve 76. In this case, the face angle φ is an angle formed between the plane 71 and the face surface 74, that is, an angle formed between a straight line 73 orthogonal to the face surface 74, and the target line 70. The club path (incidence angle) w is an angle formed between the tangential line 72 (a direction in which the head in the XY plane passes through the ball hitting point 75) and the target line 70.

For example, assuming that an angle formed between the face surface of the head and the x axis direction is normally constant (for example, orthogonal), the swing analysis portion 211 computes a direction of a straight line orthogonal to the face surface on the basis of the attitude of the sensor unit 10 at the impact time point t_(impact). The swing analysis portion 211 uses, a straight line obtained by setting a Z axis component of the direction of the straight line to 0, as a direction of the straight line 73, and computes an angle (face angle) φ formed between the straight line 73 and the target line 70.

For example, the swing analysis portion 211 uses a direction of a speed (that is, a speed of the head in the XY plane) obtained by setting a Z axis component of a speed of the head at the impact time point t_(impact) to 0, as a direction of the tangential line 72, and computes an angle (club path (incidence angle)) ψ formed between the tangential line 72 and the target line 70.

The face angle φ indicates an inclination of the face surface 74 with the target line 70 whose direction is fixed regardless of an incidence direction of the head to the ball hitting point 75 as a reference, and is thus also referred to as an absolute face angle. In contrast, an angle η formed between the straight line 73 and the tangential line 72 indicates an inclination of the face surface 74 with an incidence direction of the head to the ball hitting point 75 as a reference, and is thus referred to as a relative face angle. The relative face angle η is an angle obtained by subtracting the club path (incidence angle) ψ from the (absolute) face angle φ.

Calculation of Attack Angle

An attack angle is an index based on a trajectory of the head of the golf club 3 at the impact time point t_(impact) in the same manner as the club path (incidence angle). However, the attack angle is obtained as a result of an angle of a trajectory being computed in a plane which is different from the plane of the club path (incidence angle).

The swing analysis portion 211 computes an angle formed between a velocity vector of the head and the Z axis in the XZ plane at the impact time point t_(impact), as the attack angle. For example, if a movement direction of the head at the impact time point t_(impact) is a direction of a so-called upper blow, the attack angle is a positive value, the attack angle is a negative value in a direction of a so-called down blow, and the attack angle is zero in a direction of a level blow.

Calculation of Swing Rhythm

A swing rhythm is an index indicating a proportion of the time required in each section of a swing.

The swing analysis portion 211 partitions, for example, the entire swing period at the swing start time point t_(start), the halfway back time point t_(HWB), the top time point t_(top), the halfway down time point t_(HWD), the grip deceleration start time point t_(νmax), and the impact time point t_(impact), so as to divide the entire swing period into a plurality of sections, and computes the time required for each section.

The swing analysis portion 211 computes a ratio between the times required for two different sections, as a swing rhythm. Two different sections may be two sections not overlapping each other, and may be two sections one of which includes the other section. Two different sections may be two sections which are designated by the user 2 in advance.

For example, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a ratio obtained by dividing the time required for a backswing (the time required for the section from the swing start time point t_(start) to the top time point t_(top)) by the time required for a downswing (the time required for the section from the top time point t_(top) to the impact time point t_(impact)), as the swing rhythm.

Calculation of Hands-Up Angle

A hands-up angle is one of indexes indicating an attitude deviation of the shaft between the swing start time point t_(start) and the impact time point t_(impact), and is an index indicating deviation between an inclined angle α (t_(start)) of the shaft in a lie angle direction at the swing start time point t_(start) and an inclined angle α (t_(impact)) of the shaft in a lie angle direction at the impact time point t_(impact). Instead of the inclined angle α (t_(start)) of the shaft in a lie angle direction at the swing start time point t_(start), an inclined angle α (t_(address)) of the shaft in a lie angle direction at the address time point t_(address) may be used. The inclined angle α in a lie angle direction is an angle indicated by the reference sign α in FIG. 10, and is an angle formed between the y axis and the Y axis in the YZ plane.

The swing analysis portion 211 calculates an inclined angle α (t_(start)) at the time of swing starting, for example, on the basis of an attitude (an attitude expressed in the global coordinate system) of the golf club 3 at the swing start time point t_(start).

The swing analysis portion 211 calculates an inclined angle α (t_(impact)) at the impact time point t_(impact), for example, on the basis of an attitude (an attitude expressed in the global coordinate system) of the golf club 3 at the impact time point t_(impact).

The swing analysis portion 211 calculates an inclined angle α (t_(address)) at the address time point t_(address), for example, on the basis of a ratio (a_(y)/a_(z)) between a z-axis acceleration component a_(z) and a y-axis acceleration component a_(y) at the address time point t_(address). The swing analysis portion 211 may apply a y-axis acceleration component a_(y) to “y(0)” in Equation (1) so as to obtain an inclined angle α (t_(address)) at the address time point.

For example, the swing analysis portion 211 subtracts the inclined angle α (t_(start)) at the swing start time point t_(start) from the inclined angle α (t_(impact)) at the impact time point t_(impact), so as to calculate a hands-up angle Δα=α(t_(impact))−α(t_(start)).

For example, the swing analysis portion 211 may subtract the inclined angle α (t_(address)) at the address time point t_(address), from the inclined angle α (t_(impact)) at the impact time point t_(impact), so as to calculate a hands-up angle Δα=α(t_(impact))−α(t_(address)).

Calculation of Shaft Axis Rotation Angle at Top

The shaft axis rotation angle θ_(top) at top is an angle (relative rotation angle) by which the golf club 3 is rotated about a shaft axis from a reference timing to a top timing. The reference timing is, for example, the time of starting a backswing, or the time of address. In the present embodiment, in a case where the user 2 is a right-handed golfer, a right-handed screw tightening direction the tip end of the screw is toward the head side of the golf club 3 (a clockwise direction when the head is viewed from the grip end side), is a positive direction of the shaft axis rotation angle θ_(top). Conversely, in a case where the user 2 is a left-handed golfer, a left-handed screw tightening direction the tip end of the screw is toward the head side of the golf club 3 (a counterclockwise direction when the head is viewed from the grip end side), is a positive direction of the shaft axis rotation angle θ_(top).

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal change of the shaft axis rotation angle from starting of a swing (starting of a backswing) to impact. In FIG. 18, a transverse axis expresses time (s), and a longitudinal axis expresses a shaft axis rotation angle (deg). FIG. 18 illustrates the shaft axis rotation angle θ_(top) at top with the time of starting a swing (the time of starting a backswing) as a reference timing (at which the shaft axis rotation angle is 0°).

In the present embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the y axis of the sensor unit 10 substantially matches the longitudinal direction of the shaft of the golf club 3 (the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3). Therefore, for example, the swing analysis portion 211 time-integrates a y axis angular velocity included in angular velocity data from the swing starting (backswing starting) time point t_(start) or the time of address to the top time point t_(p) (at top), so as to compute the shaft axis rotation angle θ_(top). Similarly, the swing analysis portion 211 time-integrates a y axis angular velocity included in angular velocity data from the swing starting (backswing starting) time point tam or the time of address to the halfway back time point t_(HWB), so as to compute a shaft axis rotation angle θ_(HWB) at the halfway back time point t_(HWB).

Calculation of Grip Deceleration Ratio and Grip Deceleration Time Ratio

The grip deceleration ratio is an index based on a grip deceleration amount, and is a ratio between a speed of the grip when the grip starts to be decelerated during the downswing, and a speed of the grip at impact. The grip deceleration time ratio is an index based on a grip deceleration period, and is a ratio between a period of time from the time at which the grip starts to be decelerated during the downswing to the time of impact, and a period of time of the downswing. A speed of the grip is preferably a speed of a portion held by the user 2, but may be a speed of any portion of the grip (for example, the grip end), and may be a speed of a peripheral portion of the grip.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a temporal change of a speed of the grip during the downswing. In FIG. 19, a transverse axis expresses time (s), and a longitudinal axis expresses a speed (m/s) of the grip. In FIG. 19, if a speed (the maximum speed of the grip) when the grip starts to be decelerated is indicated by V1, and a speed of the grip at impact is indicated by V2, a grip deceleration ratio R_(V) (unit: %) is expressed by the following Equation (16).

$\begin{matrix} {R_{V} = {\frac{{V\; 1} - {V\; 2}}{V\; 1} \times 100(\%)}} & (16) \end{matrix}$

In FIG. 19, if a period of time from the time of top to the time at which the grip starts to be decelerated is indicated by T1, and a period of time from the time at which the grip starts to be decelerated during the downswing to the time of impact is indicated by T2, a grip deceleration time ratio R_(T) (unit: %) is expressed by the following Equation (17).

$\begin{matrix} {R_{T} = {\frac{T\; 2}{{T\; 1} + {T\; 2}} \times 100(\%)}} & (17) \end{matrix}$

For example, the sensor unit 10 may be attached to the vicinity of a portion of the golf club 3 held by the user 2, and a speed of the sensor unit 10 may be regarded as a speed of the grip. Therefore, first, the swing analysis portion 211 computes a speed of the sensor unit 10 at the time point t on the basis of differences between coordinates of a position of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t from the top time point t_(top) to the impact time point t_(impact) (during the downswing) and coordinates of a position of the sensor unit 10 at the previous time point.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 computes the magnitude of the speed of the sensor unit 10 at each time point t, sets the maximum value thereof as V1, and sets the magnitude of the speed at the impact time point t_(impact) as V2. The swing analysis portion 211 specifies a time point t_(νmax) at which the magnitude of the speed of the sensor unit 10 becomes the maximum value V1. The swing analysis portion 211 computes T1=t_(νmax)−t_(top), and T2=t_(impact)−t_(νmax). The swing analysis portion 211 computes the grip deceleration ratio R_(V) and the grip deceleration time ratio R_(T) according to Equations (16) and (17), respectively.

The swing analysis portion 211 may regard a speed of the grip end as a speed of the grip, and may compute the speed of the grip end on the basis of coordinates of a position of the grip end at each time point t during the downswing, so as to obtain the grip deceleration ratio R_(V) and the grip deceleration time ratio R_(T) through the above-described computation.

Calculation of Indexes of “V Zone” Item

The swing analysis portion 211 calculates, as indexes, a region in which a head position is included at the halfway back time point t_(HWB), a region in which a head position is included at the halfway down time point t_(HWD), a region in which a head position is included at the grip deceleration start time point t_(νmax), and a region in which a head position is included at the top time point t_(top). Interfaces of a plurality of regions are determined on the basis of the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP (V zone) which are virtual planes defined according to an address attitude of the user 2.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating examples of relationships among the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP (V zone), and a plurality of regions (a lower part in FIG. 20 schematically illustrates an example of the shaft plane SP, the Hogan plane HP, and an attitude of the user 2). FIG. 20 illustrates relationships among the shaft plane SP, the Hogan plane HP, and five regions A to E when viewed from a negative side of the X axis (when projected onto the YZ plane). The region B is a predetermined space including the Hogan plane HP, and the region D is a predetermined space including the shaft plane SP. The region C is a region interposed between the region B and the region D (a space between an interface Sac with region B and an interface S_(CD) with the region D). The region A is a space in contact with the region B in an interface S_(AB) on an opposite side to the region C. The region E is a space in contact with the region D in an interface S_(DE) on an opposite side to the region C.

There may be various methods of setting the interface S_(AB), the interface S_(BC), the interface S_(CD), and the interface S_(DE). As an example, the interfaces may be set so that, on the YZ plane, the Hogan plane HP is located exactly at the center of the interface S_(AB) and the interface Sec, the shaft plane SP is located exactly at the center of the interface S_(CD) and the interface S_(DE), and angles of the region B, the region C, and the region D about the origin O (X axis) are the same as each other. In other words, with respect to the first angle β formed between the shaft plane SP and the Hogan plane HP, if each of angles formed between the Hogan plane HP, and the interface S_(AB) and the interface S_(BC) is set to β/4, and each of angles formed between the shaft plane SP, and the interface S_(CD) and the interface S_(DE) is set to β/4, angles of the region B, the region C, and the region D are all set to β/2.

Since a swing that causes a Y coordinate of a head position at halfway back or halfway down to be negative cannot be expected, an interface of the region A opposite to the interface SA is set in the XZ plane in FIG. 20. Similarly, a swing that causes a Z coordinate of a head position at halfway back or halfway down to be negative cannot be expected, and an interface of the region E opposite to the interface S_(DE) is set in the XY plane. Of course, an interface of the region A or the region E may be set so that an angle of the region A or the region E about the origin O (X axis) is the same as angles of the region B, the region C, and the region D.

Specifically, first, the swing analysis portion 211 sets the interface S_(AB), the interface S_(BC), the interface S_(CD), and the interface S_(DE) of the regions A to E on the basis of coordinates of each of the four vertices U1, U2, S1, and S2 of the shaft plane SP and coordinates of each of the four vertices U1, U2, H1, and H2 of the Hogan plane HP.

Next, the swing analysis portion 211 determines in which region of the regions A to E coordinates of a head position at the halfway back time point t_(HWB), coordinates of a head position at the halfway down time point t_(HWD), coordinates of a head position at the grip deceleration start time point t_(νmax), and coordinates of a head position at the top time point t_(top) are included.

Procedures of Swing Analysis Process

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a swing analysis process performed by the processing section 21. The processing section 21 performs the swing analysis process, for example, according to the procedures shown in the flowchart of FIG. 21 by executing the swing analysis program 240 stored in the storage section 24. Hereinafter, the flowchart of FIG. 21 will be described.

First, the processing section 21 waits for the user 2 to perform a measurement starting operation (the operation in step S2 in FIG. 4) (N in step S10), transmits a measurement starting command to the sensor unit 10 if the measurement starting operation is performed (Y in step S10), and starts to acquire measured data from the sensor unit 10 (step S12).

Next, the processing section 21 instructs the user 2 to take an address attitude (step S14). The user 2 takes the address attitude in response to the instruction, and stands still (step S4 in FIG. 4).

Next, the processing section 21 determines whether or not the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude for a predetermined period of time by using the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S16), and notifies the user 2 of permission of swing starting (step S18) if the golf club stands still (Y in step S16), and proceeds to a finish determination process (step S24) if the golf club does not stand still. The processing section 21 outputs, for example, a predetermined sound, or an LED is provided in the sensor unit 10, and the LED is lighted, so that the user 2 is notified of permission of swing starting. The user 2 confirms the notification and then starts a swing action (the action in step S6 in FIG. 4).

Next, the processing section 21 determines whether or not impact is detected within a predetermined period from the permission of the swing (step S18) on the basis of the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S20), proceeds to a swing analysis data generation process (step S22) if the impact is detected (Y in step S20), and proceeds to the finish determination process (step S24) if the impact is not detected (N in step S20).

Next, the processing section 21 extracts measured data during the swing before and after the impact, from the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10, calculates various indexes and trajectories on the basis of the measured data during the swing, generates swing analysis data including the indexes and the trajectories, and transmits the swing analysis data to the server apparatus 30 (step S22). The processing section 21 uses the measured data in the period in which the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude, for performing bias correction on the measured data during the swing and setting global coordinates. The processing section 21 may cause the measured data itself (so-called raw data) during the swing to be included in the swing analysis data which is transmitted to the server apparatus 30.

Next, the processing section 21 determines whether or not a measurement finishing operation has been performed by the user 2 (step S24), finishes the flow if the operation has been performed (Y in step S24), and proceeds to the address instruction process (step S14) if the operation has not been performed (N in step S24).

In the flowchart of FIG. 21, order of the respective steps may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added thereto.

1-4. Configuration of Server Apparatus

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the server apparatus 30. As illustrated in FIG. 22, in the present embodiment, the server apparatus 30 is configured to include a processing section 31, a communication section 32, and a storage section 34. However, the server apparatus 30 may have a configuration in which some of the constituent elements are deleted or changed as appropriate, or may have a configuration in which other constituent elements are added thereto.

The storage section 34 is constituted of, for example, various IC memories such as a ROM, a flash ROM, and a RAM, or a recording medium such as a hard disk or a memory card. The storage section 34 stores a program for the processing section 31 performing various calculation processes or a control process, or various programs or data for realizing application functions.

In the present embodiment, the storage section 34 stores (preserves) a swing analysis data list 341 including a plurality of items of swing analysis data 248 generated by the swing analysis apparatus 20. In other words, the swing analysis data 248 generated whenever the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 analyzes a swing action of the user 2 is sequentially added to the swing analysis data list 341.

The storage section 34 is used as a work area of the processing section 31, and temporarily stores results of calculation executed by the processing section 31 according to various programs, and the like. The storage section 34 may store data which is required to be preserved for a long period of time among data items generated through processing of the processing section 31.

The communication section 32 performs data communication with the communication section 27 (refer to FIG. 9) of the swing analysis apparatus 20 via the network 40. For example, the communication section 32 performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 from the communication section 27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20, and transmitting the swing analysis data 248 to the processing section 31. For example, the communication section 32 performs a process of transmitting information required to display the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 to the communication section 27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20, or a process of receiving selected information on the selection screen illustrated in FIG. 7 from the communication section 27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 and transmitting the selected information to the processing section 31. For example, the communication section 32 performs a process of receiving information required to display the display screen illustrated in FIG. 8 from the processing section 31, and transmitting the information to the communication section 27 of the swing analysis apparatus 20.

The processing section 31 performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 from the swing analysis apparatus 20 via the communication section 32 and storing the swing analysis data 248 in the storage section 34 (adding the swing analysis data to the swing analysis data list 341), according to various programs. The processing section 31 performs a process of receiving various pieces of information from the swing analysis apparatus 20 via the communication section 32, and transmitting information required to display various screens (the respective screens illustrated in FIGS. 7 and 8) to the swing analysis apparatus 20, according to various programs. The processing section 31 performs other various control processes.

Particularly, in the present embodiment, the processing section 31 functions as a data acquisition portion 310 and a storage processing portion 312 by executing a predetermined program.

The data acquisition portion 310 performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 received from the swing analysis apparatus 20 by the communication section 32 and transmitting the swing analysis data 248 to the storage processing portion 312.

The storage processing portion 312 performs read/write processes of various programs or various data for the storage section 34. For example, the storage processing portion 312 performs a process of receiving the swing analysis data 248 from the data acquisition portion 310 and storing the swing analysis data 248 in the storage section 34 (adding the swing analysis data to the swing analysis data list 341), a process of reading the swing analysis data 248 from the swing analysis data list 341 stored in the storage section 34, or the like.

1-5. Process in Server Apparatus

The processing section 31 of the server apparatus 30 transmits and receives data to and from the swing analysis apparatus 20, and thus manages user swing analysis data for each user.

Procedures of Process in Server Apparatus

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a process performed by the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 in relation to a process in the server apparatus. FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a process in the server apparatus. The processing section 31 (an example of a computer) of the server apparatus 30 performs a process, for example, according to the procedures of the flowchart of FIG. 24 by executing the program stored in the storage section 34. Hereinafter, the flowcharts of FIGS. 23 and 24 will be described.

First, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 transmits user identification information allocated to the user 2, to the server apparatus 30 (step S100 in FIG. 23).

Next, the processing section 31 of the server apparatus 30 receives the user identification information, and transmits list information of the swing analysis data 248 corresponding to the user identification information (step S200 in FIG. 24).

Next, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 receives the list information of the swing analysis data 248, and displays a selection screen (FIG. 7) of the swing analysis data on the display section 25 (step S110 in FIG. 23).

The processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 waits for the swing analysis data 248 to be selected on the selection screen of the swing analysis data (N in step S120 in FIG. 23), and transmits selected information of the swing analysis data to the server apparatus 30 (step Sl130 in FIG. 23) if the information is selected (Y in step S120 in FIG. 23).

Next, the processing section 31 of the server apparatus 30 receives the selected information of the swing analysis data (step S210 in FIG. 24).

Next, the processing section 31 of the server apparatus 30 transmits the selected swing analysis data (step S240 in FIG. 24).

Next, the processing section 21 of the swing analysis apparatus 20 receives the selected swing analysis data, displays images (images indicating various indexes, an image indicating a swing trajectory, and the like) based on the swing analysis data on the display section 25 (step S140 in FIG. 23), and finishes the process.

In the flowchart of FIG. 23, order of the respective steps may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added thereto. Similarly, in the flowchart of FIG. 24, order of the respective steps may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added thereto.

1-6. Continuous Measurement Period of Swing Analysis Apparatus 1-6-1. Summary of Continuous Measurement

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user 2 repeatedly performs swings (an example of a predetermined action) in a period from a measurement starting operation (an example of an instruction from the user) to a measurement finishing operation (an example of an instruction from the user), the swing analysis apparatus 20 (an example of an electronic apparatus) performs analysis for each swing. Here, the period from a measurement starting operation to a measurement finishing operation is referred to as a “continuous measurement period”. Here, a process in step S22 in FIG. 30 is referred to as “analysis” or “generation of swing analysis data” as appropriate.

In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user 2 replaces the golf club 3 (an example of an exercise appliance) used for a swing during the continuous measurement period. Here, as an example of “replacement of the golf club 3”, it is assumed that the user 2 changes an attachment location of the sensor unit 10 (an example of an inertial sensor) from the golf club 3 to a golf club of another type (here, a golf club having a different club number), that is, attaches the sensor unit 10 to the golf club of another type. Hereinafter, a new golf club 3 as a new attachment location is simply referred to as a “new golf club 3”. After the replacement, the user 2 performs a swing with the new golf club 3.

However, if the user 2 replaces the golf club 3, parameters (parameters regarding the specification of the golf club 3) for swing analysis are required to be changed, and thus the user 2 has to newly designate the type of new golf club 3 for the swing analysis apparatus 20.

Here, typically, the user 2 may designate the type of golf club 3 from an initial screen displayed before the continuous measurement period is started.

However, in a case where the initial screen is used during the continuous measurement period, a complex operation is necessary. In other words, in a case where the golf club 3 is replaced during the continuous measurement period, the user 2 is required to temporarily perform a measurement finishing operation so as to be deviated from the continuous measurement period and then to call the initial screen. In other words, whenever the golf club 3 is replaced, the user 2 is required to perform not only an operation of designating the type of new golf club 3 but also at least two operations such as a measurement finishing operation and calling of an initial screen.

1-6-2. Replacement of Golf Club

Therefore, in the present embodiment, the swing analysis apparatus 20 operates so that the user 2 easily designates the type of golf club 3 and even slightly smoothly replaces the golf club 3 during the continuous measurement period.

FIG. 25 is a timing chart (schematic timing diagram) illustrating operations of the swing analysis apparatus 20 and the user 2 during the continuous measurement period. FIG. 25 illustrates respective operations of the swing analysis apparatus 20 and respective operations of the user 2 as blocks, and the blocks are arranged in a time series.

FIG. 25 illustrates a case where a total of four swings are performed during the continuous measurement period, in which (1) of FIG. 25 illustrates operations regarding the first swing; (2) of FIG. 25 illustrates operations regarding the second swing; (3) of FIG. 25 illustrates operations regarding the third swing; and (4) of FIG. 25 illustrates operations regarding the fourth swing. Upper blocks in each of (1), (2), (3), and (4) of FIG. 25 show operations of the swing analysis apparatus 20 (operations of the processing section 21), and lower blocks in each of (1), (2), (3), and (4) of FIG. 25 show operations of the user 2. A transverse axis in FIG. 25 expresses the elapsed time, but a length of each block in the transverse direction is only a guide, and cannot be said to express a length of an actual operation period of time.

FIG. 25 illustrates a case where the golf club 3 is replaced at a timing after the continuous measurement period is started and before the first swing is started, and the golf club 3 is replaced at a timing after the second swing is completed and before the third swing is started. Hereinafter, operations regarding the respective swings will be described in order.

Operations Regarding the First Swing are as Follows.

As illustrated in (1) of FIG. 25, if a measurement starting operation (1A) performed by the user 2 is detected, the processing section 21 (an example of a start processing section, a finish processing section, a reception processing section, a detection processing section, or a change processing section) instructs the user 2 to take an address attitude (1 a), performs a standing-still determination process (1 b), and receives designation of the type of golf club 3 (an example of an instruction for changing an exercise appliance or an instruction for changing a club number) (1 b′).

On the other hand, if the golf club 3 is replaced after the measurement starting operation (1A) is performed, the user 2 designates the type of new golf club 3 for the swing analysis apparatus 20 (1B), and then takes an address attitude (1C).

If the user 2 takes the address attitude (1C), the processing section 21 determines that the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude, notifies the user 2 of permission (1 b″) of swing starting, and then performs an impact determination process (1 c). The user 2 notified of the permission (1 b″) performs a swing with the new golf club 3 (1D).

Thereafter, if impact is detected, the processing section 21 performs analysis on measured data of a swing (first swing) before and after the impact, with parameters appropriate for the currently designated type (specification) of golf club 3 (1 d).

Operations regarding the second swing are as follows.

As illustrated in (2) of FIG. 25, the processing section 21 instructs the user 2 to take an address attitude (2 a), performs a standing-still determination process (2 b), and receives designation of the type of golf club 3 (2 b′).

On the other hand, the user 2 takes an address attitude without replacing the golf club 3 (2C).

If the user 2 takes the address attitude, the processing section 21 determines that the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude (an example of a determination result of a standing still state), notifies the user 2 of permission (2 b″) of swing starting, and then performs an impact determination process (2 c). The user 2 notified of the permission (2 b″) performs a swing with the golf club 3 (2D).

Thereafter, if impact is detected (an example of a determination result of ball hitting), the processing section 21 performs analysis on measured data of a swing (second swing) before and after the impact, with parameters appropriate for the currently designated type (specification) of golf club 3 (2 d).

Operations regarding the third swing are as follows.

As illustrated in (3) of FIG. 25, the processing section 21 instructs the user 2 to take an address attitude (3 a), performs a standing-still determination process (3 b), and receives designation of the type of golf club 3 (3 b′).

On the other hand, if the golf club 3 is replaced, the user 2 designates the type of new golf club 3 for the swing analysis apparatus 20 (3B), and then takes an address attitude (3C).

If the user 2 takes the address attitude (3C), the processing section 21 determines that the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude, notifies the user 2 of permission (3 b″) of swing starting, and then performs an impact determination process (3 c). The user 2 notified of the permission (3 b″) performs a swing with the new golf club 3 (3D).

Thereafter, if impact is detected, the processing section 21 performs analysis on measured data of a swing (third swing) before and after the impact, with parameters appropriate for the currently designated type (specification) of golf club 3 (3 d). Parameters related to analysis of a swing performed after the golf club 3 is changed are changed in response to a changing instruction (designation of the type) from the user 2.

Operations regarding the fourth swing are as follows.

As illustrated in (4) of FIG. 25, the processing section 21 instructs the user 2 to take an address attitude (4 a), performs a standing-still determination process (4 b), and receives designation of the type of golf club 3 (4 b′).

On the other hand, the user 2 takes an address attitude without replacing the golf club 3 (4C).

If the user 2 takes the address attitude (4C), the processing section 21 determines that the golf club 3 stands still, notifies the user 2 of permission (4 b″) of swing starting, and then performs an impact determination process (4 c). The user 2 notified of the permission (4 b″) performs a swing with the golf club 3 (4D).

Thereafter, if impact is detected, the processing section 21 performs analysis on measured data of a swing (fourth swing) before and after the impact, with parameters appropriate for the currently designated type (specification) of golf club 3 (4 d), and finishes the continuous measurement period in response to an measurement finishing operation (4E) performed by the user 2.

In other words, the processing section 21 of the present embodiment receives ((1 b′), (2 b′), (3 b′), and (4 b′)) designation of the type of golf club 3 in at least a period until a swing is permitted after the user 2 is instructed to take an address attitude even during the continuous measurement period.

Therefore, even in a case where the golf club 3 is replaced during the continuous measurement period, the user 2 can designate the type of new golf club 3 for the swing analysis apparatus 20 without being deviated from the continuous measurement period (without calling the initial screen), and then can just proceed to the next swing action (an address attitude in the next swing).

1-6-3. Initial Screen

Hereinafter, a description will be made of an initial screen displayed on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20.

Display of a screen is performed by the processing section 21 (particularly, the display processing portion 214) and the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. However, a description will be made assuming that the processing section 21 performs display alone.

FIG. 26 illustrates an example of an initial screen.

The initial screen is displayed on the display section 25, for example, as a top screen before the continuous measurement period is started. As illustrated in FIG. 26, a measurement starting button 25 a and a club changing button 25 b are disposed on the initial screen. The measurement starting button 25 a is a button for the user 2 performing a measurement starting operation, and the club changing button 25 b is a button for calling a club designation screen (which will be described later).

The club changing button 25 b is added with, for example, a mark indicating the currently designated type of golf club. In the example illustrated in FIG. 26, the symbol “1W” indicating a No. 1 wood (1-wood) is added to the club changing button 25 b. An image indicating a head of a golf club may be added to the club changing button 25 b (not illustrated in FIG. 26).

In a case where the user 2 wants to designate the type of golf club 3 as an attachment location of the sensor unit 10, the user 2 may tap the club changing button 25 b on the initial screen. In a case where the user 2 wants to start the continuous measurement period, the user 2 may tap the measurement starting button 25 a on the initial screen.

If the club changing button 25 b is tapped when the initial screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the initial screen to a club designation screen (which will be described later). If the measurement starting button 25 a is tapped when the initial screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the initial screen to an address instruction screen (which will be described later).

A button (library button) for calling the above-described selection screen may be disposed on the initial screen.

1-6-4. Club Designation Screen

Hereinafter, a description will be made of a club designation screen displayed on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20.

Display of a screen is performed by the processing section 21 (particularly, the display processing portion 214) and the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. However, a description will be made assuming that the processing section 21 performs display alone.

FIG. 27 illustrates an example of a club designation screen.

The club designation screen is displayed on the display section 25, for example, in a case where the club changing button 25 b is tapped when the initial screen (FIG. 26) or an address instruction screen (which will be described later) is displayed. As illustrated in FIG. 27, a list of types of golf clubs is displayed on the club designation screen, and a button (a closing button 25H) for closing the club designation screen is also disposed. On the club designation screen, the type of golf club which is being designated at the present point is highlighted. In the example illustrated in FIG. 27, a state in which the type such as “l-wood” is being designated (display of the symbol such as “1W”) is shown.

In a case where the user 2 replaces the golf club 3, and designates the type of new golf club 3, the user 2 may tap the type thereof (for example, the symbol “3W” indicating a 3-wood) displayed on the club designation screen, and then may tap the closing button 25H.

The processing section 21 recognizes the type (for example, a 3-wood) tapped right before the closing button 25H is tapped as the type designated by the user 2, and sets parameters appropriate for the type (for example, a 3-wood) as parameters for swing analysis performed after the present time. The processing section 21 switches the club designation screen to the initial screen.

The parameters set here are parameters which are changed depending on a specification of the golf club 3, and are parameters which are changed depending on at least one of, for example, a number, a club length, a lie angle, and a loft angle of the golf club 3, and a dominant hand (a right hand or a left hand). The parameters contribute to, for example, calculation of motion of a portion separated from an attachment position of the sensor unit 10 in the golf club 3. The parameters also contribute to calculation of an inclined angle of a V zone or the like.

1-6-5. Address Instruction Screen

Hereinafter, a description will be made of an address instruction screen displayed on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20.

Display of a screen is performed by the processing section 21 (particularly, the display processing portion 214) and the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. However, a description will be made assuming that the processing section 21 performs display alone.

FIG. 28 illustrates an example of an address instruction screen.

The address instruction screen is displayed on the display section 25, for example, in a period until the user 2 takes an address attitude (specifically, the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude for a predetermined period of time) after the continuous measurement period is started, or in a period until the user 2 takes an address attitude after the previous analysis is performed. As illustrated in FIG. 28, an image of text or the like for instructing the user 2 to take an address attitude is disposed on the address instruction screen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 28, a state in which a text image with the content that “stand still” is displayed is shown.

A measurement finishing button 25 a′ and the club changing button 25 b are disposed on the address instruction screen. The measurement finishing button 25 a′ is a button for the user 2 performing a measurement finishing button, and the club changing button 25 b is a button for calling the club designation screen.

The club changing button 25 b is added with, for example, a mark indicating the currently designated type of golf club. In the example illustrated in FIG. 28, the symbol “3W” indicating a 3-wood is added to the club changing button 25 b. An image indicating a head of a golf club may be added to the club changing button 25 b (not illustrated in FIG. 28).

In a case where the user 2 wants to start a swing, the user 2 may take an address attitude and stand still without touching the display section 25. In a case where the user 2 wants to designate the type of golf club 3, the user 2 may tap the club changing button 25 b. In a case where the user 2 wants to finish the continuous measurement period, the user 2 may tap the measurement finishing button 25 a′.

In this case, the processing section 21 determines whether or not the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds) on the basis of measured data output from the sensor unit 10 (standing-still determination process), and switches the address instruction screen to a swing permission screen (which will be described later) so as to perform a notification of permission of a swing in a case where it is determined that the golf club stands still.

If the club changing button 25 b is tapped when the address instruction screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the address instruction screen to the club designation screen. If the measurement finishing button 25 a′ is tapped when the address instruction screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the address instruction screen to the initial screen and finishes the continuous measurement period.

1-6-6. Swing Permission Screen

Hereinafter, a description will be made of a swing permission screen displayed on the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20.

Display of a screen is performed by the processing section 21 (particularly, the display processing portion 214) and the display section 25 of the swing analysis apparatus 20. However, a description will be made assuming that the processing section 21 performs display alone.

FIG. 29 illustrates an example of a swing permission screen.

The swing permission screen is displayed on the display section 25, for example, in a case where the user 2 takes an address attitude, and the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude for a predetermined period of time (for example, 2 seconds). As illustrated in FIG. 29, an image of text or the like for instructing the user 2 to perform a swing is disposed on the swing permission screen. In the example illustrated in FIG. 29, a state in which a text image with the content that “perform swing” is displayed is shown.

The measurement finishing button 25 a′ is disposed on the swing permission screen. The measurement finishing button 25 a′ is a button for the user 2 performing a measurement finishing operation.

In a case where the user 2 wants to start a swing, the user 2 may start a swing. In a case where the user 2 wants to finish the continuous measurement period, the user 2 may tap the measurement finishing button 25 a′.

The processing section 21 performs an impact detection process on the basis of measured data generated by the sensor unit 10, performs analysis on measured data generated in periods before and after impact in a case where the impact is detected within a predetermined period, and then switches the swing permission screen to the address instruction screen.

In a case where impact is not detected within a predetermined period after the swing permission screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the swing permission screen to the address instruction screen.

If the measurement finishing button 25 a′ is tapped when the swing permission screen is displayed, the processing section 21 switches the swing permission screen to the initial screen, and finishes the continuous measurement period.

1-6-7. Flow of Swing Analysis Process

Hereinafter, a detailed description will be made of a flow of a process in which the user 2 designates the type of golf club 3.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart illustrating examples of procedures of a swing analysis process (an example of an analysis method) performed by the processing section 21. FIG. 30 is a flowchart in which steps (S151 and S152) of receiving designation of the type of golf club 3 are added to the flow illustrated in FIG. 21.

Hereinafter, each step in FIG. 30 will be described in detail. In FIG. 30, the same steps as the steps in FIG. 21 are given the same reference numerals.

Step S10: The processing section 21 displays the initial screen on the display section 25, determines whether or not a measurement starting operation (that is, tapping of the measurement starting button) is performed by the user 2 (step S10), proceeds to a starting process (step S12) if the measurement starting operation is performed (Y in step S10), and continuously displays the initial screen if otherwise (N in step S10).

Step S12 (an example of a starting step): The processing section 21 transmits a measurement starting command to the sensor unit 10, and starts to acquire measured data from the sensor unit 10 (step S12).

Step S14: The processing section 21 displays the address instruction screen on the display section 25 so as to instruct the user 2 to take an address attitude (step S14).

Step S151 (an example of a reception step): The processing section 21 determines whether or not the club changing button is tapped (step S151), displays the club designation screen and proceeds to a club designation process (step S152) if the club changing button is tapped, and proceeds to a standing-still determination process (step S16) if otherwise.

Step S152: The processing section 21 causes the user 2 to designate the type of golf club 3 as described in the club designation screen, and displays the address instruction screen on the display section 25 again if the closing button of the club designation screen is tapped, so as to instruct the user 2 to take an address attitude (step S152).

Step S16: The processing section 21 determines whether or not the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude for a predetermined period of time by using the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S16), proceeds to a swing permission process (step S18) if the golf club stands still (Y in step S16), and proceeds to a finish determination process (step S24) if otherwise.

Step S18: The processing section 21 displays the swing permission screen on the display section 25 so as to notify the user 2 of permission of swing starting (step S18).

Step S20 (an example of a detection step): The processing section 21 determines whether or not impact is detected within a predetermined period from the permission of the swing (step S18) on the basis of the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10 (step S20), proceeds to a swing analysis data generation process (step S22) if the impact is detected (Y in step S20), and proceeds to the finish determination process (step S24) if otherwise (N in step S20).

Step S22: The processing section 21 extracts measured data during the swing before and after the impact (an example of extracting a predetermined action), from the measured data acquired from the sensor unit 10, calculates various indexes and trajectories on the basis of the measured data during the swing, generates swing analysis data including the indexes and the trajectories, and transmits the swing analysis data to the server apparatus 30 (step S22). The processing section 21 uses the measured data in the period in which the golf club 3 stands still at an accurate attitude, for performing bias correction on the measured data during the swing and setting global coordinates. The processing section 21 uses parameters appropriate for the type (specification) of golf club 3 which is being designated at the present point in order to calculate the indexes and the trajectories. The processing section 21 may cause the measured data itself (so-called raw data) during the swing to be included or information regarding the currently designated type of golf club 3 in the swing analysis data which is transmitted to the server apparatus 30.

Step S24 (an example of a finish step): The processing section 21 determines whether or not a measurement finishing operation has been performed by the user 2 (step S24), finishes the flow if the operation has been performed (Y in step S24), and proceeds to the address instruction process (step S14) if otherwise (N in step S24).

In the flowchart of FIG. 30, order of the respective steps may be changed as appropriate within an allowable range, some of the steps may be omitted or changed, and other steps may be added thereto.

1-7. Operations and Effects

The power control circuit 20 of the present embodiment performs the step (S12) of starting measurement of the golf club 3 by using an output from the sensor unit 10, the step (Y in S24) of finishing the measurement, the step (S20) of detecting a swing using the golf club 3 in a period from starting to finishing, and the step (S151) of receiving designation of the type of golf club 3 from the user 2 in the period from starting to finishing.

Therefore, since the swing analysis apparatus 20 of the present embodiment receives designation of the type of golf club 3 in a period (here, during the continuous measurement period) from starting of measurement to finishing thereof, for example, even in a case where the golf club 3 is replaced during the period, the user 2 is not required to perform a measurement finishing operation before the type of golf club 3 is designated for the swing analysis apparatus 20. Consequently, the number of operating the swing analysis apparatus 20 by the user before and after replacement can be reduced at least by one. According to the swing analysis apparatus 20 of the present embodiment, it is possible to omit at least two operations such as a measurement finishing operation and calling of an initial screen. Here, there is a high probability that both hands of the user 2 performing a swing by using the golf club 3 may be full for a swing, and the user 2 strongly feels to start a swing early or to resume the swing after the golf club 3 is replaced. Therefore, even if the number of operating the swing analysis apparatus 20 is reduced only by one, the user 2 can concentrate on a swing by that much, and can thus feel comfortable.

2. Modification Examples

The invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and may be variously modified within the scope of the spirit of the invention.

2-1. Other Notification Aspects

In the above-described embodiment, the processing section 21 mainly performs a single or a plurality of notifications for the user 2 on the screen, but may perform a notification according to other aspects. As a notification aspect, for example, at least one of an image, light, sound, vibration, an image change pattern, a light change pattern, a sound change pattern, and a vibration change pattern may be used.

2-2. Other Input Aspects

In the above-described embodiment, the processing section 21 mainly inputs a single or a plurality of pieces of information from the user 2 through touching of the finger (a tapping operation on a touch panel or an operation on a button), but various aspects may be used as an aspect of inputting a single or a plurality of pieces of information. As an aspect of inputting information, for example, at least one of information input through touching of the finger, information input using a voice, and information input using gesture.

2-3. Modification of V Zone

In the above-described embodiment, the concept of the V zone (a region interposed between the shaft plane and the Hogan plane) is introduced in order to define the regions A, B, C, D and E in which the head is included. The V zone is a region interposed between the first virtual plane along the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 and the second virtual plane passing through the vicinity of the shoulder of the user 2. The first virtual plane is, for example, a so-called shaft plane specified by a first axis along a target hit ball direction and a second axis along the longitudinal direction of the golf club 3 before a swing is started. The second virtual plane is, for example, a so-called Hogan plane which includes the first axis, and forms a predetermined angle with the first virtual plane. However, the second virtual plane may be a virtual plane (including both of a virtual plane parallel to the first virtual plane and a virtual plane along the first virtual plane) which is parallel to the first virtual plane. A parallel virtual plane may be referred to as a “shoulder plane”. In the above-described embodiment, the second virtual plane may be calculated on the basis of both of the first virtual plane and physical information of the user 2, and a plane having a predetermined relationship with the first virtual plane may be the second virtual plane.

2-4. Modifications of Swing Analysis Process

For example, a plurality of sensor units 10 may be attached to the golf club 3 or parts such as the arms or the shoulders of the user 2, and the swing analysis portion 211 may perform a swing analysis process by using measured data from the plurality of sensor units 10.

In the embodiment, the swing analysis portion 211 calculates the third line segment 53 which is a third axis and the Hogan plane HP by using the physical information of the user 2, but a line segment and a plane obtained by rotating the second line segment 52 which is a second axis and the shaft plane SP by a predetermined first angle 3 (for example, 30°) about the X axis, respectively, may be used as the third line segment 53 and the Hogan plane HP.

In the embodiment, the swing analysis portion 211 detects impact by using the square root of the square sum as shown in Equation (2) as a combined value of three-axis angular velocities measured by the sensor unit, but, as a combined value of three-axis angular velocities, for example, a square sum of three-axis angular velocities, a sum or an average value of three-axis angular velocities, or the product of three-axis angular velocities may be used. Instead of a combined value of three-axis angular velocities, a combined value of three-axis accelerations such as a square sum or a square root of three-axis accelerations, a sum or an average value of three-axis accelerations, or the product of three-axis accelerations may be used.

2-5. Modification Examples Such as HMD

In the above-described embodiment, as a display location of a single or a plurality of images, for example, a wrist type display section (an example of a watch type display section) as illustrated in FIG. 31 or a head mounted display section (hereinafter, referred to as an HMD; an example of a head mounted display device) as illustrated in FIG. 32 may be used.

The head mounted display is a display which is mounted on the head of the user 2, and displays an image with respect to one eye or both eyes of the user 2. The user 2 wearing the head mounted display on the head thereof can recognize various images without deviating a visual line thereof from the head of the golf club 3, a ball, or a target direction.

As illustrated in FIG. 32, an HMD 500 includes a spectacle main body 501 mounted on the head of the user 2. The spectacle main body 501 is provided with a display section 502. The display section 502 integrates a light beam emitted from an image display unit 503 with a light beam directed toward the eyes of the user 2, and thus overlaps a virtual image on the image display unit 503 with a real image of the external world viewed from the user 2.

The display section 502 is provided with, for example, the image display unit 503 such as an liquid crystal display (LCD), a first beam splitter 504, a second beam splitter 505, a first concave reflection mirror 506, a second concave reflection mirror 507, a shutter 508, and a convex lens 509.

The first beam splitter 504 is disposed on the front side of the left eye of the user 2, and partially transmits and partially reflects light emitted from the image display unit 503.

The second beam splitter 505 is disposed on the front side of the right eye of the user 2, and partially transmits and partially reflects light which is partially transmitted from the first beam splitter 504.

The first concave reflection mirror 506, which is disposed in front of the first beam splitter 504, partially reflects the partially reflected light from the first beam splitter 504 so as to transmit the light through the first beam splitter 504, and thus guides the light to the left eye of the user 2.

The second concave reflection mirror 507, which is disposed in front of the second beam splitter 505, partially reflects the partially reflected light from the second beam splitter 505 so as to transmit the light through the second beam splitter 505, and thus guides the light to the right eye of the user 2.

The convex lens 509 guides partially transmitted light from the second beam splitter 505 to the outside of the HMD 500 when the shutter 508 is opened.

According to the HMD 500, the user 2 can understand necessary information without holding the swing analysis apparatus 20 with the hands.

2-6. Others

In the above-described embodiment, some or all of the functions of the sensor unit 10 may be installed on the swing analysis apparatus 20 side or the server apparatus 30 side. Some or all of the functions of the swing analysis apparatus 20 may be installed on the sensor unit 10 side or the server apparatus 30 side. Some or all of the functions of the server apparatus 30 may be installed on the swing analysis apparatus 20 side or the sensor unit 10 side.

In the embodiment, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 are built into and are thus integrally formed as the sensor unit 10, but the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may not be integrally formed. Alternatively, the acceleration sensor 12 and the angular velocity sensor 14 may not be built into the sensor unit 10, and may be directly mounted on the golf club 3 or the user 2. In the above-described embodiment, the sensor unit 10 and the swing analysis apparatus 20 are separately provided, but may be integrally formed so as to be attached to the golf club 3 or the user 2. The sensor unit 10 may have some of the constituent elements of the swing analysis apparatus 20 along with the inertial sensor (for example, the acceleration sensor 12 or the angular velocity sensor 14).

The inertial sensor may be a sensor which can measure an inertial amount such as acceleration or angular velocity, and may be, for example, an inertial measurement unit (IMU) which can measure acceleration or angular velocity. For example, the inertial sensor may be attached to an exercise appliance or a part of a user so as to be attachable to and detachable from the exercise appliance or the user, and may be fixed to the exercise appliance so as to not be detached therefrom as a result of being built into the exercise appliance.

In the above-described embodiment, the swing analysis system (server apparatus) analyzing a golf swing has been exemplified, but the invention is applicable to a swing analysis system (server apparatus) analyzing a swing in various sports such as tennis or baseball.

The above-described embodiment and modification examples are only examples, and the invention is not limited thereto. For example, the embodiment and the respective modification examples may be combined with each other as appropriate.

For example, the invention includes substantially the same configuration (for example, a configuration in which functions, methods, and results are the same, or a configuration in which objects and effects are the same) as the configuration described in the embodiment. The invention includes a configuration in which an inessential part of the configuration described in the embodiment is replaced with another part. The invention includes a configuration which achieves the same operation and effect or a configuration capable of achieving the same object as in the configuration described in the embodiment. The invention includes a configuration in which a well-known technique is added to the configuration described in the embodiment.

The entire disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-005806 filed Jan. 15, 2016 is expressly incorporated by reference herein. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An electronic apparatus comprising: a start processing section that starts measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; a finish processing section that finishes the measurement; a detection processing section that detects a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and a reception processing section that receives an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.
 2. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a change processing section that changes a parameter related to analysis of the predetermined action performed after the exercise appliance is changed, in response to an instruction for changing the exercise appliance.
 3. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the start processing section starts the measurement in response to an instruction from the user.
 4. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the finish processing section finishes the measurement in response to an instruction from the user.
 5. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the exercise appliance is a golf club, and wherein the instruction for changing the exercise appliance includes an instruction for changing a number of the golf club.
 6. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined action is a swing.
 7. The electronic apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the detection processing section detects the swing on the basis of a determination result of a standing still state of the exercise appliance, and a determination result of ball hitting using the exercise appliance.
 8. The electronic apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the inertial sensor includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor.
 9. A system comprising: the electronic apparatus according to claim 1; and an inertial sensor.
 10. A system comprising: the electronic apparatus according to claim 2; and an inertial sensor.
 11. An analysis method comprising: starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.
 12. The analysis method according to claim 10, further comprising: changing a parameter related to analysis of the predetermined action performed after the exercise appliance is changed, in response to an instruction for changing the exercise appliance.
 13. The analysis method according to claim 10, wherein, in the starting of the measurement, the measurement is started in response to an instruction from the user.
 14. The analysis method according to claim 10, wherein, in the finishing of the measurement, the measurement is finished in response to an instruction from a user.
 15. The analysis method according to claim 10, wherein the exercise appliance is a golf club, and wherein the instruction for changing the exercise appliance includes an instruction for changing a number of the golf club.
 16. The analysis method according to claim 10, wherein the predetermined action is a swing.
 17. The analysis method according to claim 15, wherein, in the detecting of the swing, the swing is detected on the basis of a determination result of a standing still state of the exercise appliance, and a determination result of ball hitting using the exercise appliance.
 18. The analysis method according to claim 10, wherein the inertial sensor includes at least one of an acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor.
 19. An analysis program causing a computer to execute: starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing.
 20. A recording medium recording an analysis program causing a computer to execute: starting measurement of motion of an exercise appliance by using an inertial sensor; finishing the measurement; detecting a predetermined action using the exercise appliance during a period from starting of the measurement to finishing of the measurement; and receiving an instruction for changing the exercise appliance from a user during the period from the starting to the finishing. 